Moving from Chandler, AZ to Odessa, TX
Relocating 699 mi from Chandler to Odessa is a 11h 55m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
699 mi · 11h 55m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, I 20 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.1% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Odessa at 93.896 vs Chandler at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.1% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $524,156 to $251,239 moving to Odessa.
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.54 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.1% — $103,691 → $73,030 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Odessa, TX from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 699 mi and the route typically takes 11h 55m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 29.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Odessa more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 9.1% lower than Chandler (93.896 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 52.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chandler to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 699 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Odessa, TX.